Legend has it that, each October, the veil between this world and the spirit world grows thinner leading up to All Hallows Eve, aka Halloween. It is a time to remember the dead. And some believe it is a time for the dead to visit us. Over the centuries, however, October 31st changed into something…
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My little girl is 12 years old now. Like her mother, she is curious, loves the outdoors and likes to watch people. Unlike most tweens, however, my mere existence doesn’t mortify her. Instead, she loves being seen with me, is very polite to strangers and will even do public displays of affection. My…
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The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on Washington, DC’s National Mall is known throughout the world for the awe it inspires. In fact, with more than 7 million visitors each year, it’s the most visited museum in our country. But because the experience is so special, there’s something…
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From the haunted Weems Botts Museum in Dumfries to the City of Alexandria’s tiny Spite House and Georgetown’s renowned Exorcist Stairs, there are plenty of unique places to visit in Virginia, but Northern Virginia is especially filled with fascinating quirk when it comes to things to do, best views…
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It would be nearly impossible to visit Fairfax County without noticing it. We are practically encircled by it. And, within that circle, there’s even more, bearing names like Accotink, Anne and Audubon. We celebrate driving alongside it. We recommend eating besides it. And we definitely think you…
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Growing up, my family’s life was dominated by the “best way” to get from Point A to Point B. My dad was an Air Force navigator, so it makes sense. He’d spend hours studying maps, figuring out the fast route, the scenic route, the interesting route, etc. It prepared me well for living in the…
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So you’ve brought your teen to Northern Virginia. Now what? The good news is there are a plethora of things to do that BOTH you and your teen will enjoy (though maybe for different reasons.) Better yet, most of them have interactive or educational aspects that will make you feel like a very…
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If you look at a map of all the local and regional trails in Fairfax County, it is quite possible that, wherever you are in the county, you’re closer to a trail than a Starbucks. And that includes all those stealth Starbucks hiding out in Safeways and Targets and hotels. There are trails in parks…
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There are historic homes you tour and cross off your list. And then there are historic homes you return to time and again because there are so many fascinating things to learn and do. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House fits into the latter category. To begin with, it’s not just one historic home. It’s…
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The buds on my pear tree are preparing to burst. Daffodils and hyacinth are pushing up through the ground. And perennial herbs are regenerating in the garden. As winter’s chill retreats, the entire National Capital Area is being transformed by spring. Of course, the famous transformation is when…
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